AUGUST 24, 2025 – THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

READ: Gal. 5:19–23: Now the works of the flesh are evident… those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. … But the fruit of the Spirit… Against such there is no law.

Opposed to “being under the law” is not “being without law,” but “walking by the Spirit.” Opposed to “works of the flesh” is not the absence of works, but “the fruit of the Spirit.”

We continually need to examine our behavior, our words, and our thoughts. This self-examination is always necessary because even believers who desire to live by grace still have the tendency, through their old self, to hate God and their neighbor.

Paul’s warnings against sinful behavior apply to every believer. That also includes what Paul says in verse 15: “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”

From verse 19 onward, Paul lists more works of the flesh. These are not just warnings for those who rely on the law, but also for those who place their trust in Christ. Even they can, through their sinful nature, commit sins that grieve the Holy Spirit.

However, they know the path of repentance, on which they can ask for forgiveness and pray for the Holy Spirit to help them resist their wrong desires and actions. On this path, they crucify their old self again and again.

But those who rely on the law—and thus look to themselves—do not live in true fellowship with Christ and His Spirit. As a result, they will be condemned by the very law they put their trust in.

In contrast to the works of the flesh stands the fruit of the Spirit. These can only be present in those who seek all their righteousness and salvation in Christ and who earnestly pray for His Holy Spirit. In His strength, they will be renewed more and more in the image of God (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 44).

In doing so, they will increasingly hate and flee from sin and increasingly live to the glory of God, in love for Him and the neighbor He places on their path.

How do you hate and flee from sin?

Sing: Ps. 25:6,7